Composition for coating seeds and method for reducing seed dust-off

Abstract

A method for reducing or controlling seed dust-off comprising contacting a plant seed with a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract to produce a coated plant seed wherein the coated plant seed emits less seed dust-off than a comparable plant seed not contacted with the dust reducing agent.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITION FOR COATING SEEDS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING SEED DUST-OFF

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] Methods for reducing seed dust-off by treating or coating seed with a seed dust reducing agent or composition are described herein. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for methods of reducing seed dust-off associated with the treatment, coating, processing, transportation, storage, and / or planting of seeds by treating a seed with a seed dust reducing composition described herein. Composition and seeds useful in this method are also described.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Plant seed is often coated before sowing, for example, to protect seeds from damage during handling and / or to improve handling properties. Further, seeds are often coated to provide useful substances (active ingredients) to the seeds and the seedlings upon germination, for example, plant nutrients, growth stimulating agents, and plant protective products can be used. An important advantage of providing active ingredients in a seed coating is that it allows for a precise and controlled release and dose per seedling. While seed treatment provides many benefits, in order to ensure a safe use of these substances coated on seeds, e.g. the pesticidal compounds and / or seed flow lubricants which are often present in the form of microparticles on the seed surface must be adhered to the seeds to prevent flaking, abrasion or dust-off during handling or planting. Work environment must now contend with the free-floating particles arising from the seed coating procedure and the nuisance of the dust to workers which without mitigation or precautions can cause serious health problems. Therefore, dust-off or airborne particles and abrasion particles that fall off treated seeds are linked to potential health risk not only to humans but also to animals and insects. Additionally, any active ingredient that does not remain on the seed is a loss in yield potential.

[0006] Dry seed finishers are used in the agriculture industry as a dry application to treat seeds to control fugitive dust production during the treatment, handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of treated seeds, which is a workplace safety hazard and nuisance. An exemplary dry seed finisher is the Pizazz® product sold by Agrilead, Inc., which product is covered by U.S. Patent No. 10,986,769, the entirety of such patent is incorporated herein by reference. The Pizazz® dry seed finisher effectively minimizes fugitive dust during the treatment, handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of treated seeds, however it has not shown significant treated seed dust-off prevention characteristics during handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of treated seeds on its own. As used herein, fugitive dust is airborne or environmental dust within the facility caused by the handling and processing of large amounts of the seeds, additives, etc. Fugitive dust is a workplace hazard and nuisance to workers.

[0007] It is known that yeast extract is a source of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids that plants need to grow. Prior to the present invention, yeast extract on its own did not have a known effect on seed dust-off prevention.

[0008] There is thus a need to find an alternative to traditional seed coatings that is capable of efficiently and effectively reducing dust-off during the handling, sowing, and / or shipping of treated seeds.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the present disclosure relates to a method and composition for coating seeds to reduce the generation of dust during handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of seeds.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention related to a method for reducing or controlling seed dust- off comprising contacting a plant seed with a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract to produce a coated plant seed wherein the coated plant seed emits less seed dust-off than a comparable plant seed not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent. In an embodiment, the dust reducing agent further comprises a dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. In a further embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin. In a further embodiment, the oil is soybean oil. In another embodiment, the dust reducing agent further comprises a plant growth-promoting microorganism such as a plant growth-promoting microorganism from the Bacillus species. In a preferred embodiment, the plant growth-promoting microorganism is B. velezensis. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract. In an embodiment, the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus. In an embodiment, the yeast extract is a soluble yeast extract. In an alternative embodiment, the plant seed, prior to contact with the dust reducing agent, can be an untreated plant seed. In another embodiment, the plant seed, prior to contact with the dust reducing agent, is a treated plant seed, the treated plant seed being treated or coated with a plant enhancing agent chosen from a micronutrient, a fertilizer, a biological agent, a plant growth regulator, a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1 . In an embodiment, the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to 150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm, such as an average diameter particle size of 85 pm. In another embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In another embodiment, the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a dry powdered seed treatment composition comprising (a) yeast extract; and (b) a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (i) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (ii) an oil powder. In a further embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin. In a further embodiment, the oil is soybean oil. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract. In an embodiment, the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia difftuens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1 . In an embodiment, the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm, such as an average diameter particle size of 85 pm. In another embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In another embodiment, the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0013] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a dry coated seed comprising a dry seed and a mixture of yeast extract and a dry seed finisher, wherein the mixture is on the outermost layer of the dry seed, and the dry seed finisher comprises (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. In a further embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin. In a further embodiment, the oil is soybean oil. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract. In an embodiment, the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1 . In an embodiment, the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm, such as an average diameter particle size of 85 pm. In another embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In another embodiment, the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of coating a seed comprising: (a) providing a seed dust reducing agent or composition comprising a dry powdered yeast extract; and (b) dispensing said dust reducing agent or composition on seeds; wherein the dust reducing composition is not combined with a fluid before dispensing. In an embodiment, the seed dust reducing composition further comprises a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. In a further embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin. In a further embodiment, the oil is soybean oil. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract. In an embodiment, the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia difftuens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1 . In an embodiment, the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm, such as an average diameter particle size of 85 pm. In another embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In another embodiment, the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract for reducing or controlling seed dust-off. In an embodiment, the seed dust reducing composition further comprises a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. In a further embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin. In a further embodiment, the oil is soybean oil. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract. In an embodiment, the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia difftuens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1 . In an embodiment, the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm, such as an average diameter particle size of 85 pm. In another embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In a further embodiment, the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In another embodiment, the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure provides a seed dust reducing agent or a dust control agent comprising yeast extract. Yeast extract was not known of any seed dust reducing or prevention effects prior to the present disclosure. The seed dust reducing agent can be used to coat plant seeds, wherein the dust reducing agent adheres to and reinforces the outer seed coat or hull of the plant seed, while maintaining seed viability. Additionally, the dust reducing agent improves seed flowability. Furthermore, the use of yeast extract as a dust reducing agent in the coating provides positive benefits by improving plant growth and yield.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the present seed dust control agent further comprises a dry seed finisher in combination with yeast extract. In an exemplary embodiment, the dry seed finisher comprises the Pizazz® product sold by Agrilead, Inc., which is covered by U.S. Patent No. 10,986,769, which patent has been incorporated by reference. In an exemplary embodiment, application of a combination of dry seed finisher and yeast extract sequentially following one or more liquid seed treatment applications minimizes dust-off of such seed treatment application coatings during handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of the treated seeds. In an exemplary embodiment, the yeast extract utilized as a component of the present treated seed dust control agent comprises yeast extract without cell walls. The present disclosure provides that the dust- off of seed coating ingredient (such as, for example, active ingredient) is very low.

[0019] The present disclosure further provides a method for reducing or controlling seed dust production such as pesticidal dust, insecticidal dust, nematicide dust, and / or fungicidal dust by coating a seed with a seed dust reducing agent described herein. In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a method for reducing or controlling seed dust comprising contacting a plant seed with a dust reducing agent or composition comprising a yeast extract to produce a coated seed. In an embodiment, the plant seed coated with the seed dust reducing agent described herein emits a reduced amount dust or produces less seed dust-off than a comparable plant seed not coated or previously contacted with a seed dust reducing agent described herein.

[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for improving seed flow or seed flowability by contacting or treating seed with a seed dust reducing agent described herein.

[0021] As used herein, the term “dust” or “seed dust” refers to a particulate of the naturally occurring components of a seed such as outer hull or husk as well as any coating and / or active agent coated on a seed that has been removed or rubbed off from the surface of the seeds. In an aspect, dust is released during the handling or planting process. Reducing dust-off is an important step as it allows for better adhesion of an ingredient (such as an active ingredient) on a seed and no coating abrasion. It is further an important aspect for safety and environmental standards.

[0022] The term “seed dust-off’ refers to the occurrence of generating seed dust. This term, when used with respect to coated seeds, refers to the occurrence when the coating(s) rub off the seeds, resulting in seeds which are not fully coated as desired or expected. For example, dust-off can occur from a conveyer belt or when seeds make contact and rub against each other during processing causing coating(s) to rub off.

[0023] A “seed dust reducing agent” is a compound or composition that is able to reduce seed dust off when dispensed on seeds. In other words, seeds dispensed with a seed dust reducing agent emit or release statistically significant less seed dust than the same or comparable (e.g., from the same plant species, harvested in the same batch, and / or processed in the same manner) seeds without any treatment or contact of the seed dust reducing agent.

[0024] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract. The yeast extract adheres to the seed surface and forms a thin, uniform, protective coating over the entire surface of the seed. The yeast extract does not affect seed germination and improves plant seedling vigor (i.e., seedling size, health, and growth rate). Additionally, the yeast extract coating reduces seed-to-seed friction, improves plant seed flowability during planting and reduces formation or emission of seed dust (i.e. dust-off reduction).

[0025] The seed dust reducing agent comprises a yeast extract. In an embodiment, the yeast extract is a soluble yeast extract. In a further embodiment, the yeast extract is a yeast extract powder.

[0026] The yeast extract used in this invention can be produced from different species of yeast or possibly a mix thereof. In an embodiment, a yeast belonging to the Saccharomyces genus can be used. More particularly, the yeast extract is produced from S. cerevisiae. Other types of yeast can be used in the context of this invention, for example yeast genus from the Kluyveromyces spp, Pichia spp, Metschnikowia spp and Candida spp groups.

[0027] Yeast is a cell composed of an envelope called cell wall and a content which is the yeast extract. The yeast extract can be produced in different ways, from different types of yeast, optionally as a mix, with techniques known in the art. In a particular embodiment of the method, the yeast extract can be produced by the lysis (autolysis or heterolysis) of yeast cells, for example S. cerevisiae, followed by the separation of the soluble and insoluble fractions, for example, by physical means such as centrifugation, and then collecting the soluble fraction, i.e. by removing the insoluble fraction. The insoluble fraction is called the yeast cell walls while the resulting soluble fraction clear in color and of weak turbidity is called the yeast extract or the soluble yeast extract. The lysis or autolysis of yeast is the hydrolysis of the cellular content of the yeast by its own enzymes. It is typically achieved by suspending the yeast in certain physical medium conditions and / or in contact with activators resulting in the death of the yeast and the liberation of its enzymes into the cellular body. The hydrolysis of the cellular content produces soluble compounds. This separated and collected soluble fraction constitutes the soluble yeast extract. The resultant yeast extract may be dried into powder according to any suitable manners known in the art such as spray drying, roller drying, freeze drying, fluidized bed drying or a combination of these methods. In an embodiment, the resultant suspension is dried into powder by roller or spray drying. In an embodiment, the yeast extract is a dry powdered yeast extract.

[0028] Such products are also commercially available. In particular, FNI products (Lallemand) can be used in the present disclosure.

[0029] In an embodiment, in addition to a soluble yeast extract, the dust reducing agent further comprises a dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. Exemplary dry seed finishers are powdered lubricant compositions described in U.S. Patent No. 10,986,769 which is incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, the dust reducing agent may further comprise, in addition of a soluble yeast extract, oil powder. Preferably, the oil powder is made from natural oils. Preferably, the oil powder is produced with soybean or corn oil. While any oil powder may be used, it is preferable to use an oil powder produced without added heat during the encapsulation process. Some oil powders are produced by spray drying. The process of spray drying during the encapsulation process requires the use of intense heat. The preferred embodiment comprises oil powder made without the use of spray drying or intense heat. Such oil powders are commercially available. The embodiments that comprise oil powder made without spray drying or intense heat during the encapsulation process result in a greater reduction of fugitive dust than embodiments that comprise oil powder made by spray drying.

[0030] In an embodiment, the oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder, such as maltodextrin.

[0031] An embodiment of the oil powder composition comprises oil and maltodextrin as oil absorbing powder. In an embodiment, the amount of maltodextrin in the oil powder ranges from 40%- 60% by weight. In an embodiment, the amount of oil in the oil powder ranges from 40%-60% by weight. In one preferred embodiment the oil powder is comprised of about 60% oil and about 40% maltodextrin by weight. Preferably, the oil powder comprises about 60% soybean oil and about 40% maltodextrin by weight.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent of the present invention may further comprise at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect (e.g. a plant growth-promoting microorganism from the Bacillus species and more particularly is B. velezensis), at least one strain of a biological agent having at least one strain having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity. As used in the context of the present disclosure, the term “biological agent” refers to living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microbes, that are used to enhance plant growth or plant health, protect crops from pests and diseases, or improve soil health. These agents can be applied to crops to perform specific functions, such as but not limited to increasing nutrient availability, promoting plant processes, or controlling harmful organisms.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract.

[0034] Non-limiting examples of particular species that may be used in the context of the present disclosure include species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium,

[0035] In an embodiment, examples of biological agent having a plant or growth effect are Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum (e.g. strains 5079, SEMIA 5080), Bradyrhizobium elkanii (e.g. strains SEMIA 587, SEMIA 5019), Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (e.g. strain IT45), Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici or Azospirillum brasilense (e.g. strain Az39). In an embodiment, biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

[0036] In an embodiment, examples of biological agent having fungicidal activity are Coniothyrium minitans (e.g. strain CON / M / 91-08), Clonostachys rosea (e.g. strain J1446 (Prestop by Lallemand)), Pseudomonas syringae (e.g. strain ESC-10), Streptomyces sp. (e.g. strain K61 ), Phlebiopsis gigantea (e.g. strain VRA 1835), Trichoderma asperellum (e.g. strain URM 5911 ) or Naganishia difftuens.

[0037] In an embodiment, examples of biological agent having insecticidal effect are Metarhizum brunneum (e.g. strain F52, formerly Met52), Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae (e.g. strain IBCB 425), Beauveria bassiana (e.g. strain IBCB 66) or Bacillus thurigiensis (e.g. strain 344).

[0038] In an embodiment, an example of a biological agent having nematicidal activity is Purpureocillium lilacinum (e.g. strain 251 ), Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis (e.g. strain UFPEDA 764) or Bacillus methylotrophicus (e.g. strain UFPEDA 20, strain GF 267).

[0039] The composition may also include a lubricant, flow agent or an anti-caking agent, as further described in U.S. Patent No. 10,986,769 which is incorporated herein by reference. Preferred flow agents include tricalcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, sodium bicarbonate, silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, amorphous silica and mica coated with titanium dioxide. A preferred embodiment comprises mica coated with titanium dioxide and / or amorphous silica.

[0040] The dust reducing agent of the present disclosure can be applied to a wide variety of different seeds. More particularly, the seed is a plant seed, for example, a seed of an agricultural crop, a vegetable seed, a herb seed, a wildflower seed, an ornamental seed, a grass seed, a tree seed, or a bush seed. Preferably, the plant seed is of an agricultural crop. The seed may be of the order of Monocotyledoneae or of the order of Dicotyledoneae. Suitable seeds include seeds of soybean, cotton, corn, peanut, maize, wheat, barley, oat, rye triticale, mustard, canola, colza, sunflower, sugar beet, safflower, millet, chicory, flax, rapeseed, buckwheat, tobacco, hemp seed, alfalfa, signal grass, clover, sorghum, chick pea, beans, peas, lentils, rice and linseed. Examples of suitable vegetable seeds include asparagus, chives, celery, leek, garlic, beetroot, spinach, beet, curly kale, cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, white cabbage, red cabbage, kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, turnip, endive, chicory, water melon, melon, cucumber, gherkin, marrow, parsley, fennel, pea, beans, radish, black salsify, eggplant, sweet corn, pop corn, carrot, onion, tomato, pepper, lettuce, snap bean, cucurbit, shallot, broccoli, Brassica, and Brussels sprout.

[0041] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for preparing a coated seed, comprising coating or contacting a seed with a seed dust reducing agent according to the present disclosure which overcome problems encountered with dusting. As used herein, the term “coating” or “contacting” refers to applying material to a surface of a seed, for instance, as a layer of a material around a seed. Coating includes film coating, pelleting, and encrusting.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plant seeds used in the context of the present disclosure may be untreated seeds, i.e., seeds that have not been treated using any chemical, biological, or physical method. In other embodiments, the plant seeds may be treated plant seeds, i.e., seeds that have been previously treated or coated with one or more plant enhancing agent. The term “plant enhancing agent” as used in the context of the present disclosure is an active ingredient and is meant to comprise any component that is in one way or another advantageous for a plant or a plant seed. Examples of plant enhancing agent include fungicidal agents, bactericidal agents, insecticidal agents, nematicidal agents, disinfectants, micro-organisms, rodent killers, weed killers, attracting agents, repellent agents, plant growth regulators, nutrients, plant hormones, minerals, plant extracts, acaricides or miticides, molluscicides, germination stimulants, pheromones, biological preparations, etc. The seed treatment or coating may further comprise synthetic polymers in combination with the active ingredient(s). Examples of polymers used to coat plant seeds include petroleum-based polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (also known as PVOH), polyacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acids, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyvinyls, polyvinyl acetates, polyurethanes, polyurethane acrylics, polyesters, polyethylene oxides, polypropylene oxides, cellulose derived polymers such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, or hydroxypropylethyl cellulose, combinations thereof, or co-polymers of any of the foregoing.

[0043] In an embodiment, the seed is first coated with a composition comprising a plant enhancing agent as described above, and thereafter with the seed dust reducing agent described therein. Preferably, the composition comprising at least one plant enhancing agent such as a fungicidal agent or a combination of fungicidal and insecticidal agents is applied as a liquid composition by any conventional means. The seed dust reducing agent is applied to the coated seed sequentially after having applied the seed with the composition comprising at least one plant enhancing agent (i.e. as a liquid composition) such that the seed dust reducing agent reduces dust emission such as for example pesticidal dust, insecticidal dust or fungicidal dust during the handling, transport, sowing and / or storing of the treated seeds. Alternatively, the seed dust reducing agent can be applied to the seed thereafter the applied liquid composition is solidified (including cured and / or dried) to form a seed coating.

[0044] The amount of the seed dust reducing agent used for contacting the seed coated with a plant enhancing agent or composition can be at least between 1 and 99.9%; 5 and 95%; 10 and 90%, 15 and 85%, 20 and 80%; 25 and 75%; 30 and 70%; 40 and 60%, or 50% by weight of the total seed coating composition. As used herein, the term “total seed coating composition” includes the total amount of plant enhancing agent(s) and the seed dust reducing agent. In an embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent may be present in an amount of at least 2 to 50%, 5 to 45%, 5 to 40%, 5 to 35%, 5 to 30%, 5 to 25%, 5 to 20% or 5 to 15% by weight of the total seed coating composition.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the seed coating composition comprising a plant enhancing agent and the seed dust reducing agent are successively applied to the seed in a drum coater, rotary coater, rotary dry coater, pan coater, or a continuous treater. This advantageously allows to conduct both treatment steps in the same container, without transporting the seeds in between.

[0046] The seed dust reducing agent which is a powder formulation is in particulate form. In a preferred embodiment, the powder formulation (comprising the yeast extract) has an average particle size of 2 to 250 pm, preferably in the range of 10 to 200 pm, such as in the range of 20 to 150 pm, or in the range of 70 to 150 pm. In a preferred embodiment, the mean diameter particle size of the yeast extract used as reducing agent is at least 50 pm, 55 pm, 60 pm, 65 pm, 70 pm, 75 pm, 80 pm, 85 pm, 90 pm, 95 pm, or more than 100 pm. In an embodiment, the mean diameter particle size of the yeast extract is between 70 pm and 95 pm. In an embodiment, the mean diameter particle size of the yeast extract is between 80 pm to 90 pm. In a preferred embodiment, the mean diameter particle size of the yeast extract is at least 70 pm, 75 pm, 80 pm, 85 pm, 90 pm or 95 pm. In an embodiment, the mean diameter particle size of the yeast extract is at least 85 pm.

[0047] The weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 : 3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract and the dry seed finisher is from about 1 : 5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1. In an embodiment, the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is about 1 :3. In an embodiment, the amount of yeast extract in the seed dust reducing agent ranges from about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 45%, about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 35%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20% or about 5% to about 15% by weight. In a further embodiment, the amount of yeast extract in the seed dust reducing agent ranges from about 15% to about 35% or about 20% to about 30% by weight. In an embodiment, the amount of yeast extract in the seed dust reducing agent is about 20%, 21 %, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29% or 30% by weight.

[0048] In an embodiment, the amount of the dry seed finisher in the seed dust reducing agent ranges from about 50% to about 95%, about 50% to about 90%, about 50% to about 85%, about 50% to about 80%, about 50% to about 75%, about 50% to about 70%, about 50% to about 65% or about 50% to about 60% by weight. In a further embodiment, the amount of the dry seed finisher in the seed dust reducing agent ranges from about 65% to about 85% or about 70% to about 80% by weight. In an embodiment, the amount of the dry seed finisher in the seed dust reducing agent is about 70%, 71 %, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79% or 80% by weight.

[0049] In an embodiment, the yeast extract in the seed dust reducing agent is combined with a biological agent. In these embodiments, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 20%, about 1 % to about 15%, about 1 % to about 10% or about 1 % to about 5% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent. In an embodiment, the amount the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

[0050] After having contacted the coated seed with the seed dust reducing agent, the coated seeds can optionally be separated from powder formulation that has not adhered to the coated seeds. Such separation may involve using a sieve and / or removal by suction. However, it is preferred to use a minimal amount of seed dust reducing agent such that later separation steps are unnecessary.

[0051] Optionally, the treated seed can be dried after the coating with the seed dust reducing agent. This drying step may, for example, be carried out using a conventional drying apparatus. The resulting treated seed may further be subjected to one or more subsequent steps such as packaging, storing, pouring seeds into bags for transport, emptying bags loaded with seeds and planting.

[0052] In a further aspect, the contacting step of the seed dust reducing agent or composition with the seeds (coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) may occur in a seed planter, e.g. in the seed planter box or hopper. For example, the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) may be added to the seed planter box and then the dust reducing agent may be added to the seeds in the seed planter box. The seed dust reducing agent may be actively mixed with the seeds, or the dust reducing agent may be allowed to passively mix with the seeds by gravity and movement of the seeds through the seed planter box. In another embodiment, the seed dust reducing agent may be firstly added to the seed planter box and then the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) may be added to the seed dust reducing agent in the seed planter box. Alternatively, the contacting step may occur prior to adding the seeds to the seed planter box. Indeed, the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) may be mixed with the seed dust reducing agent at the planting site or elsewhere prior to adding the combination of seed / seed dust reducing agent mixture to the seed planter box.

[0053] Contacting the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) with the seed dust reducing agent disclosed herein reduce seed dust-off formation or the emission of dust by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or more than 50% relative to seeds not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent. Seed dust-off formation or emission of dust may be measured using standard protocol instructed by the American Seed Trade Association Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship, as described in the Examples.

[0054] Contacting the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least one plant enhancing agent) with the seed dust reducing agent disclosed herein also improves seed flowability or seed lubricity in the seed coater or planter and prevents seed clumping or bridging in the seed planter. Seed flowability (or dry flow rate) can be measured using a funnel flow test. The seed flowability test using a funnel flow test measures how well seeds flow through a funnel. As known in the art, the process involves weighing a seed sample, placing it in a funnel, and timing how long it takes for the seeds to flow out. This test is repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy, and the results are averaged or presented as a range. In various embodiments, seed flowability may be increased by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, or more than 50% relative to seeds not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent.

[0055] Contacting the seeds (primarily coated or not with at least plant enhancing agent) with the seed dust reducing agent disclosed herein may also increase crop yield. In some embodiments, crop yield may be increased by at least 5 %, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or more than 25% relative to seeds not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent.

[0056] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the present specification and claims, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to”. By “consisting of” is meant including, and typically limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of.” By “consisting essentially of” is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that no other elements are required and may or may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the activity or action of the listed elements.

[0057] In this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%. The following example serves to further describe and define the invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0058] EXAMPLES: Assessment of seed dust-off

[0059] Conventional soybean seeds (i.e., comprising a seed treatment coating, i.e. thiamethoxam (insecticide) and mefenoxam (fungicide)) were top-coated with a standard dry seed finisher and different yeast products as a dust reducing agent. The following treatments were tested:

[0060] Treatment 1 : Conventional soybean seeds;

[0061] Treatment 2: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher;

[0062] Treatment 2A: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher + yeast extract A, mean diameter particle size: 85 microns (FNI, Lallemand) in a weight ratio 3:1 (i.e. 75% dry seed finisher: 25% yeast extract);

[0063] Treatment 2B: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher + yeast extract B, mean diameter particle size: 40 microns (FNI, Lallemand) in a weight ratio 3:1 (i.e. 75% dry seed finisher: 25% yeast extract);

[0064] Treatment 2C: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher+ yeast extract C, mean diameter particle size: 20 microns (FNI, Lallemand) in a weight ratio 3:1 (i.e. 75% dry seed finisher: 25% yeast extract);

[0065] Treatment 2D: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher + inactive yeast in a weight ratio 3:1 (i.e. 75% dry seed finisher: 25% yeast extract); and

[0066] Treatment 2E: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher + yeast hydrolysate in a weight ratio 3:1 (i.e. 75% dry seed finisher: 25% yeast extract)

[0067] The soybeans seeds were coated using a routine coating process. The amount of dust release from the dust conventional soybean seeds coated with the seed dust reducing agent was compared to that released from the conventional soybean seeds not coated with a seed dust reducing agent.

[0068] Dust release was measured using standard protocol instructed by the American Seed Trade Association Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship. In summary, the test comprised placing 100 g of each seed sample in ta rotating drum. The drum was rotated at a constant speed for a specified period of time. The dust generated during this time was collected on collection filters and weighed. The dust-off vulnerability and dust-off of the evaluated seed treatments was then calculated based upon the amount of treatment dust collected. The amount of collected dust was measured by various ways including a) a visual inspection of the dust collection filter used to capture the dust during the test, b) pre and post-test weight of the dust collection filters to measure the net weight of the dust-off collection, c) a HPLC analysis to breakdown the collected and retained dust with respect to actual amounts of treatment active ingredients, measured in pg of active ingredient collected within the captured dust.

[0069] The results are presented in Table 1 and are expressed in pg of each active ingredient collected on the filter.

[0070] Table 1 : Thiamethoxam (insecticide) and mefenoxam (fungicide) released from the soybean seeds and collected on the filters.

[0071] As shown in Table 1 , the combination of yeast extract with dry seed finisher reduced the dust-off from the seeds and limited the release of the insecticide and fungicide.

[0072] Another experiment measured the dust-off emission of coated seed was carried on as described above. The following treatments were included in the trial:

[0073] Treatment 1 : Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher;

[0074] Treatment 2: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher (75% by weight) + Bacillus velezensis (2% by weight) + maltodextrin (23% by weight); and

[0075] Treatment 3: Conventional soybean seeds + Pizazz® dry seed finisher + Bacillus velezensis + yeast extract mean diameter particle size: 85 microns (FNI, Lallemand) in a weight ratio 3:1 (75% dry seed finisher: 2% Bacillus velezensis + 23% yeast extract)

[0076] The dust collection filters collected in the dust-off testing were analyzed by HPLC to detect residues of thiamethoxam (insecticide), metalaxyl (fungicide), fludionoxil (fungicide) and sedexane (fungicide) present in the seed coatings and retained on the filters. The results are presented in Table 2 and are expressed in pg of each active ingredient collected on the filter.

[0077] Table 2: Thiamethoxam (insecticide), metalaxyl (fungicide), fludionoxil (fungicide) and sedexane (fungicide) released from the soybean seeds and collected on the filters. As described in Table 2, the combination of the yeast extract with dry seed finisher exhibited good dust-off controlling performance and reduced the emission of the insecticide and fungicides.

[0078] The seed flow rate was also measured for the three samples tested in this second experiment. The results are presented in Table 3.

[0079] Table 3: Measurements of seed flow rates

[0080] As shown in Table 3, the presence of the yeast extract in combination with dry seed finisher as a seed dust reducing agent improved seed flow by 6% compared to the treatment 1 without yeast extract.

[0081] ***

[0082] Further embodiments of the invention

[0083] The invention further provides:

[0084] 1. A method for reducing or controlling seed dust-off comprising contacting a plant seed with a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract to produce a coated plant seed wherein the coated plant seed emits less seed dust-off than a comparable plant seed not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent.

[0085] 2. The method of embodiment 1 , wherein the dust reducing agent further comprises a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. 3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein said oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder.

[0086] 4. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the dust reducing agent further comprises a plant growth-promoting microorganism.

[0087] 5. The method of embodiment 4, wherein the plant growth-promoting microorganism is from the Bacillus species, preferably B. velezensis.

[0088] 6. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the yeast extract is a soluble yeast extract.

[0089] 7. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the plant seed, prior to contact with the dust reducing agent, is an untreated plant seed.

[0090] 8. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the plant seed, prior to contact with the dust reducing agent, is a treated plant seed, the treated plant seed being treated or coated with an active ingredient chosen from a micronutrient, a fertilizer, a biological agent, a plant growth regulator, a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide or a combination thereof.

[0091] 9. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the weight ratio of seed dust reducing agent and the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1.

[0092] 10. The method of embodiment 9, wherein the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2-250 pm, 10-200 pm, 20-150 pm, or 70-150 pm.

[0093] 11 . A dry powdered seed treatment composition comprising (a) yeast extract; and (b) a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (i) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (ii) an oil powder.

[0094] 12. The composition of embodiment 11 , wherein said yeast extract is dried, soluble yeast extract.

[0095] 13. The composition of embodiment 11 , wherein the weight ratio of seed dust reducing agent and the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1.

[0096] 14. The dry powdered seed treatment composition of embodiment 11 , further comprising a plant growth-promoting microorganism.

[0097] 15. The dry powdered seed treatment composition of embodiment 14, wherein the plant growthpromoting microorganism is from the Bacillus species, preferably B. velezensis.

[0098] 16. The dry powdered seed treatment composition of embodiment 11 , wherein the yeast extract has an average particle size in the range of 2-250 pm, 10-200 pm, 20-150 pm, or 70-150 pm.

[0099] 17. A dry coated seed comprising a dry seed wherein the outermost layer of the seed coating comprises a mixture of yeast extract and a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder. 18. The dry coated seed of embodiment 17, wherein the yeast extract is soluble yeast extract.

[0100] 19. A method of coating a seed comprising:

[0101] (a) providing a seed dust reducing agent comprising a dry powdered yeast extract; and

[0102] (b) dispensing said seed dust reducing agent on seeds; wherein the dust reducing agent is not combined with a fluid before dispensing.

[0103] 20. The method of embodiment 19, wherein the seed dust reducing composition further comprises a dry a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for reducing or controlling seed dust-off comprising contacting a plant seed with a seed dust reducing agent comprising a yeast extract to produce a coated plant seed wherein the coated plant seed emits less seed dust-off than a comparable plant seed not contacted with the seed dust reducing agent.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the seed dust reducing agent further comprises a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin.

5. The method of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said oil is soybean oil.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract.

8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plant seed, prior to contact with the seed dust reducing agent, is an untreated plant seed.11 . The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plant seed, prior to contact with the seed dust reducing agent, is a treated plant seed, the treated plant seed being treated or coated witha plant enhancing agent chosen from a micronutrient, a fertilizer, a biological agent, a plant growth regulator, a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide or a combination thereof.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to 150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size of 85 pm.

17. The method of any of claims 6 to 16, wherein the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

20. The method of any one of claims 6 to 19, wherein the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

21. A dry powdered seed treatment composition comprising (a) yeast extract; and (b) a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (i) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (ii) an oil powder.

22. The composition of claim 21 , wherein said oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder.

23. The composition of claim 22, wherein the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin.

24. The composition of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said oil is soybean oil.

25. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity.

26. The composition of claim 25, wherein the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract.

27. The composition of claim 25 or 26, wherein the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium.

28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus.

29. The composition of any one of claim 21 to claim 28, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1.

30. The composition of claim 29, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1.

31. The composition of any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to 150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm.

32. The composition of claim 31 , wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm.

33. The composition of claim 32, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size of 85 pm.

34. The composition of any of claims 25 to 33, wherein the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1% to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

36. The composition of claim 35, wherein the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

37. The composition of any one of claims 25 to 36, wherein the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

38. A dry coated seed comprising a dry seed and a mixture of yeast extract and a dry seed finisher, wherein the mixture is on the outermost layer of the dry seed, and the dry seed finisher comprises (a) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (b) an oil powder.

39. The dry coated seed of claim 38, wherein said oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder.

40. The dry coated seed of claim 39, wherein the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin.

41. The dry coated seed of claim 39 or claim 40, wherein said oil is soybean oil.

42. The dry coated seed of any one of claims 38 to 41 , wherein the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity.

43. The dry coated seed of claim 42, wherein the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract.

44. The dry coated seed of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium.

45. The dry coated seed of claim 44, wherein the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus.

46. The dry coated seed of any one of claim 38 to claim 45, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1:9 to 9:1, 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1:7 to 7:1, 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1, 1:4 to 4:1, 1 :3 to 3:1, 1:2 to 2:1 or 1 :1.

47. The dry coated seed of claim 46, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3: 1.

48. The dry coated seed of any one of claims 38 to 47, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to 150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm.

49. The dry coated seed of claim 48, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm.

50. The dry coated seed of claim 49, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size of 85 pm.51 . The dry coated seed of any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1 % to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

52. The dry coated seed of claim 51 , wherein the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

53. The dry coated seed of claim 52, wherein the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

54. The dry coated seed of any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

55. A method of coating a seed comprising:(a) providing a seed dust reducing agent or composition comprising a dry powdered yeast extract; and(b) dispensing said seed dust reducing agent or composition on seeds; wherein the dust reducing agent is not combined with a fluid before dispensing.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the seed dust reducing composition is used in steps (a) and (b) and further comprises a dry seed finisher, the dry seed finisher comprising (i) mica coated with titanium dioxide and (ii) an oil powder.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein said oil powder comprises oil and oil absorbing powder.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the oil absorbing powder is maltodextrin.

59. The method of claim 57 or claim 58, wherein said oil is soybean oil.

60. The method of any one of claims 55 to 59, wherein the seed dust reducing agent further comprises at least one strain of a biological agent having a plant health and / or growth effect, at least one strain of a biological agent having a fungicidal activity, at least one strain of a biological agent having an insecticidal effect or at least one strain of a biological agent having a nematicidal activity.61 .The method of claim 60, wherein the biological agent is combined with the yeast extract.

62. The method of claim 60 or claim 61 , wherein the biological agent is a species of Rhizophagus, Bradyrhizobium, Delftia, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Mezorhizobium, Azospirillum, Coniothyrium, Clonostachys, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Phlebiopsis, Trichoderma, Naganishia, Metarhizum, Cordyceps, Beauveria or Purpureocillium.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the biological agent is Rhizophagus irregularis, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus velezensis, Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae, Mezorhizobium cicero, Rhizobium tropici, Azospirillum brasilense, Coniothyrium minitans, Clonostachys rosea, Pseudomonas syringae, Streptomyces sp., Phlebiopsis gigantea, Trichoderma asperellum, Naganishia diffluens, Metarhizum brunneum, Cordyceps javanica, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thurigiensis, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma endophyticum, Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus methylotrophicus.

64. The method of any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :10 to 10:1 , 1 :9 to 9:1 , 1 :8 to 8:1 , 1 :7 to 7:1 , 1 :6 to 6:1 , 1 :5 to 5:1 , 1 :4 to 4:1 , 1 :3 to 3:1 , 1 :2 to 2:1 or 1 :1.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the weight ratio of the yeast extract to the dry seed finisher is from about 1 :3 to 3:1.

66. The method of any one of claims 55 to 65, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 2 to 250 pm, 10 to 200 pm, 20 to 150 pm, or 70 to 150 pm.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size in the range of 80 pm to 90 pm.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the yeast extract has an average diameter particle size of 85 pm.

69. The method of any one of claims 60 to 68, wherein the amount of the biological agent ranges from about 1% to about 25% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein the amount of the biological agent is about 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the biological agent is about 2% by weight of the yeast extract combined with the biological agent.

72. The method of any one of claims 55 to 71 , wherein the biological agent is Bacillus velezensis.

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